Team Pursuit (4,000 metres), Men

Germany was considered the best pursuit team in the world. In the qualifying, which was won by Great Britain, they placed only fourth, but were sandbagging somewhat as their best rider, individual pursuit gold medalist Robert Bartko, did not ride. But he did race in the matches, and in the quarter-finals, Germany broke the Olympic record with 4:01.810 in defeating a strong Australian team. In the semi-finals, Ukraine defeated Britain, breaking the world record in the process with a time of 4:00.830. The final matched Germany against Ukraine. The Ukrainians were no match for Germany, which made cycling history as it broke thru the four-minute barrier, a 60 km/hr average, recording a world record time of 3:59.710. Back in 11th place were the Italians, who were missing Andrea Collinelli (the 1996 individual champion) and Mauro Trentini, who were both caught doping during the Italian Championships in June.